Central Business District Summary

Pros

Plenty of shopping -- Canal Street offers numerous specialty and souvenir shops, and the District is home to three shopping malls

St. Charles Avenue streetcar stops at every other block in the District, heading to Uptown New Orleans and the Garden District.

Within easy walking distance of must-see sights in the French Quarter

Plenty of authentic eateries within the District

Family-friendly sites like the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and the Louisiana Children's Museum

Cons

Not as aesthetically intriguing or pleasing as other parts of the city

Some instances of panhandling, but police are cracking down on it

What It's Like

The accessibility of this district is one of its greatest perks. Staying in the Central Business District (abbreviated by locals as the CBD) puts visitors close to the most talked-about places in New Orleans, like the French Quarter, Mid-City, and Faubourg Marigny.

The CBD is the home to various law firms, banks, and corporations. The region's lone Fortune 500 firm -- Entergy -- is also headquartered here. Apart from being the lifeblood of the city's corporate sector, CBD also offers prime sporting events at the Superdome on Sugar Bowl Drive.

Although it's definitely not as charming as the French Quarter or Garden District, restaurants, pubs, and hotels still abound. Plus, the St. Charles Avenue streetcar makes regular stops within the District on its way to more touristy spots. The best part? A one-way ride will cost you just $1.25. And streetcars are a relaxing and reliable way to navigate the city.

Where To Stay

Many hotels are clustered in the northeastern corner -- around the intersection of Poydras Street and Convention Center Boulevard. To be closer to the tourist sites, stay in the northern half of the District. Keep in mind that the streetcar travels on St. Charles Avenue. Although not too many hotels can be found in the northwest of the District, plenty of hotels are within a few blocks of St. Charles in the southern half, below U.S. Route 90.